Sweet Potato Casserole is a cozy, comforting side dish that’s perfect for any gathering. It’s creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy layer of pecans and brown sugar, giving you a wonderful mix of soft and crispy textures. The natural sweetness of the potatoes shines through, making every bite into a little bit of comfort.
I love making this casserole for holiday dinners because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. A little tip I like to share is to add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potatoes—it brings out their flavor even more. Also, making the crunchy topping ahead of time saves you some prep stress on the big day, which is always a win in my book.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Sweet Potato Casserole is right out of the oven while it’s still warm and gooey. It pairs beautifully with turkey or roasted chicken, but honestly, I’d be happy eating it on its own. This dish always brings smiles to the table, and it’s a classic that I look forward to making again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish. Look for firm potatoes with smooth skin. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, try using yams or even butternut squash for a slightly different flavor. I like peeling and cutting into even chunks to cook them evenly.
Butter & Milk: These add creaminess and richness. You can swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, and use almond or soy milk if you prefer plant-based.
Pecans: They bring crunch and a nutty taste to the topping. If you’re allergic or don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well too. Toasting the nuts before mixing makes their flavor pop.
Sugar & Brown Sugar: Both add sweetness; brown sugar gives a deeper, caramel-like note. For less sugar, try reducing amounts or using honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener twist.
Marshmallows (Optional): Classic for some, but totally optional. If you want a vegan option, look for dairy-free marshmallows or skip altogether.
How Can I Make the Sweet Potato Mash Smooth and Creamy?
Mashing sweet potatoes to the perfect creamy texture can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips:
- After boiling, drain potatoes well to avoid watery mash.
- Use a hand mixer or food processor for the smoothest texture. If you like a bit of texture, a potato masher works fine.
- Add melted butter and warm milk gradually while mashing to keep the mixture creamy but not runny.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla gently to keep everything light.
- For extra smoothness, you can pass the potatoes through a fine sieve before mixing.
Just take your time, and don’t rush mashing — the effort really makes a difference in the dish’s overall creaminess!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil the sweet potatoes easily and quickly.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the mashed sweet potatoes and toppings.
- Potato masher or hand mixer – to mash the sweet potatoes smoothly or with some texture, your choice.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – to hold the casserole and bake it evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
- Small bowl – for mixing the pecan topping ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
- Mix in spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm, extra-spiced flavor.
- Add a splash of bourbon or orange zest to the sweet potato mash for a special twist.
- Top with toasted marshmallows and broil for a golden, gooey topping—perfect for extra sweetness.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into chunks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for mixing or topping)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and boil the sweet potatoes, plus 30-35 minutes baking time. Overall, expect around 50-60 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are very tender when poked with a fork. Drain well and transfer to a big bowl.
2. Mash and Mix Sweet Potatoes:
Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the potatoes. Use a hand mixer or potato masher to mash and mix everything until the texture is smooth and creamy. If you like, mix in mini marshmallows now for extra sweetness.
3. Prepare the Topping:
In a separate small bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix well until it forms a crumbly topping.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the pecan topping over the potatoes. Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.
5. Optional Marshmallow Topping:
If you want to add marshmallows on top, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the casserole about 10 minutes before it finishes baking. Return it to the oven until the marshmallows melt and turn slightly golden.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm and enjoy this cozy, sweet dish with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes for This Casserole?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mashing to avoid a watery casserole.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and topping a day ahead, then assemble and bake right before serving for a stress-free occasion.
What Can I Substitute for Pecans in the Topping?
If you’re allergic or don’t have pecans, chopped walnuts or almonds make great alternatives and still add a nice crunch.